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The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner.[4] The aircraft is easily distinguished from the Electra by its distinctive tail stinger or "MAD Boom", used for the magnetic detection of submarines.
Over the years, the aircraft has seen numerous design developments, most notably in its electronics packages. Numerous navies and air forces around the world continue to use the P-3 Orion, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.[1] A total of 757 P-3s have been built and, in 2012, it joined the handful of military aircraft including the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Lockheed U-2 that the United States military has been using for more than 50 years. The Boeing P-8 Poseidon will eventually replace the U.S. Navy's remaining P-3C aircraft.
Contents
- 1 Development
- 2 Design
- 2.1 Crew complement
- turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner.[4] The aircraft is easily distinguished from the Electra by its distinctive tail stinger or "MAD Boom", used for the magnetic detection of submarines.
Over the years, the aircraft has seen numerous design developments, most notably in its electronics packages. Numerous navies and air forces around the world continue to use the P-3 Orion, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.[1] A total of 757 P-3s have been built and, in 2012, it joined the handful of military aircraft including the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Lockheed U-2 that the United States military has been using for more than 50 years. The Boeing P-8 Poseidon will eventually replace the U.S. Navy's remaining P-3C aircraft.
Contents
- 1 Development
- 2 Design
- 3 Operational history
- 3.1 United States
- 3.2 In Cuba
- 3.3 In Vietnam
- 3.4 In Iraq
- 3.5 In Afghanistan
- 3.6 In Libya
- 3.7 Iran
- 3.8 Pakist
Over the years, the aircraft has seen numerous design developments, most notably in its electronics packages. Numerous navies and air forces around the world continue to use the P-3 Orion, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.[1] A total of 757 P-3s have been built and, in 2012, it joined the handful of military aircraft including the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Lockheed U-2 that the United States military has been using for more than 50 years. The Boeing P-8 Poseidon will eventually replace the U.S. Navy's remaining P-3C aircraft.
In August 1957 the U.S. Navy called for proposals for replacement of the piston-engined Lockheed P2V Neptune (later redesignated P-2) and Martin P5M Marlin (later redesignated P-5) with a more advanced aircraft to conduct maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. Modifying an existing aircraft was expected[by whom?] to save on cost and to allow rapid introduction into the fleet. Lockheed suggested a military version of its L-188 Electra, then still in development and yet to fly. In April 1958 Lockheed won the competition and was awarded an initial research-and-development contract in May.[4]
Lockheed modified the prototype YP3V-1/YP-3A, Bureau Number (BuNo) 148276 from the third Electra airframe c/n 1003.[5] The first flight of the aircraft's aerodynamic prototype, originally designated YP3V-1, took place on 19 August 1958. While based on the same design philosophy as the Lockheed L-188 Electra, the aircraft differed structurally: it had 7 feet (2.1 m) less fuselage forward of the wings with an opening bomb bay, and a more pointed nose radome, a distinctive tail "stinger" for detection of submarines by magnetic anomaly detector, wing hardpoints, and other internal, external, and airframe-production technique enhancements.[4] The Orion has four Allison T56 turboprops which give it a top speed of 411 knots (761 km/h; 473 mph) comparable to the fastest propeller fighters, or even to slow high-bypass turbofan jets such as the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II or the Lockheed S-3 Viking. Similar patrol aircraft include the Soviet Ilyushin Il-38, the French Breguet Atlantique and the British jet-powered Hawker Siddeley Nimrod (based on the de Havilland Comet).
The first production version, designated P3V-1, was launched on 15 April 1961. Initial squadron deliveries to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) and Patrol Squadron Forty Four (VP-44) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, began in August 1962. On 18 September 1962 the U.S. military transitioned to a unified designation system for all services, with the aircraft being renamed the P-3 Orion.[4] Paint schemes have changed from early 1960s gloss seaplane gray and white to mid-1960s/1970s/1980s/early 1990s gloss white and gray, to mid-1990s flat finish low-visibility gray with fewer and smaller markings. In the early 2000s the paint scheme changed to its current overall gloss gray finish with the original full-size color markings. However, large-size Bureau Numbers on the vertical stabilizer and squadron designations on the fuselage remained largely omitted.[6]
Further developments
[5] The first flight of the aircraft's aerodynamic prototype, originally designated YP3V-1, took place on 19 August 1958. While based on the same design philosophy as the Lockheed L-188 Electra, the aircraft differed structurally: it had 7 feet (2.1 m) less fuselage forward of the wings with an opening bomb bay, and a more pointed nose radome, a distinctive tail "stinger" for detection of submarines by magnetic anomaly detector, wing hardpoints, and other internal, external, and airframe-production technique enhancements.[4] The Orion has four Allison T56 turboprops which give it a top speed of 411 knots (761 km/h; 473 mph) comparable to the fastest propeller fighters, or even to slow high-bypass turbofan jets such as the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II or the Lockheed S-3 Viking. Similar patrol aircraft include the Soviet Ilyushin Il-38, the French Breguet Atlantique and the British jet-powered Hawker Siddeley Nimrod (based on the de Havilland Comet).
The first production version, designated P3V-1, was launched on 15 April 1961. Initial squadron deliveries to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) and Patrol Squadron Forty Four (VP-44) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, began in August 1962. On 18 September 1962 the U.S. military transitioned to a unified designation system for all services, with the aircraft being renamed the P-3 Orion.[4] Paint schemes have changed from early 1960s gloss seaplane gray and white to mid-1960s/1970s/1980s/early 1990s gloss white and
The first production version, designated P3V-1, was launched on 15 April 1961. Initial squadron deliveries to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) and Patrol Squadron Forty Four (VP-44) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, began in August 1962. On 18 September 1962 the U.S. military transitioned to a unified designation system for all services, with the aircraft being renamed the P-3 Orion.[4] Paint schemes have changed from early 1960s gloss seaplane gray and white to mid-1960s/1970s/1980s/early 1990s gloss white and gray, to mid-1990s flat finish low-visibility gray with fewer and smaller markings. In the early 2000s the paint scheme changed to its current overall gloss gray finish with the original full-size color markings. However, large-size Bureau Numbers on the vertical stabilizer and squadron designations on the fuselage remained largely omitted.[6]
In 1963, the U.S. Navy Bureau of Weapons (BuWeps) contracted Univac Defense Systems Division of Sperry-Rand to engineer, build and test a digital computer (then in its infancy) to interface with the many sensors and newly developing display units of the P-3 Orion. Project A-NEW was the engineering system which, after several early trials, produced the engineering prototype, the CP-823/U, Univac 1830, Serial A-1, A-NEW MOD3 Computing System. The CP-823/U was delivered to the Naval Air Development Center (NADC) at Johnsville, Pennsylvania in 1965, and directly led to the production computers later equipped on the P-3C Orion.[7]
Three civilian Electras were lost in fatal accidents between February 1959 and March 1960. Following the third crash the FAA restricted the maximum speed of Electras until the cause could be determined. After an extensive investigation, two of the crashes (in September 1959 and March 1960) were found to be caused by insufficiently strong engine mounts, unable to damp a whirling motion that could affect the outboard engines. When the oscillation was transmitted to the wings, a severe vertical vibration escalated until the wings were torn from the aircraft.[8][9] The company implemented an expensive modification program, labelled the Lockheed Electra Achievement Program or LEAP, in which the engine mounts and wing structures supporting the mounts were strengthened, and some wing skins replaced with thicker material. All the surviving Electras of the 145 built at that time were modified at Lockheed's expense at the factory, the modifications taking 20 days for each aircraft. The changes were incorporated in subsequent aircraft as they were built.[8]
Sales of Electra airliners were limited, as Lockheed's technical fix did not serve to completely erase the aircraft's "jinxed" reputation, in an era in which turboprop-powered aircraft were being replaced by faster jets.[10] In a military role where fuel efficiency was more valued than speed, the Orion has been in service over 50 years after its 1962 introduction. Although surpassed in production longevity by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, 734 P-3s were produced through 1990.[2][11][12] Lockheed Mart
Three civilian Electras were lost in fatal accidents between February 1959 and March 1960. Following the third crash the FAA restricted the maximum speed of Electras until the cause could be determined. After an extensive investigation, two of the crashes (in September 1959 and March 1960) were found to be caused by insufficiently strong engine mounts, unable to damp a whirling motion that could affect the outboard engines. When the oscillation was transmitted to the wings, a severe vertical vibration escalated until the wings were torn from the aircraft.[8][9] The company implemented an expensive modification program, labelled the Lockheed Electra Achievement Program or LEAP, in which the engine mounts and wing structures supporting the mounts were strengthened, and some wing skins replaced with thicker material. All the surviving Electras of the 145 built at that time were modified at Lockheed's expense at the factory, the modifications taking 20 days for each aircraft. The changes were incorporated in subsequent aircraft as they were built.[8]
Sales of Electra airliners were limited, as Lockheed's technical fix did not serve to completely erase the aircraft's "jinxed" reputation, in an era in which turboprop-powered aircraft were being replaced by faster jets.[10] In a military role where fuel efficiency was more valued than speed, the Orion has been in service over 50 years after its 1962 introduction. Although surpassed in production longevity by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, 734 P-3s were produced through 1990.[2][11][12] Lockheed Martin opened a new P-3 wing production line in 2008 as part of its Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) for delivery in 2010. A complete ASLEP replaces the outer wings, center wing lower section and horizontal stabilizers with newly built parts.[13]
In the 1990s, during a U.S. Navy attempt to identify a successor aircraft to the P-3, the improved P-7 was selected over a navalized variant of the twin turbofan-powered Boeing 757, but this program was subsequently cancelled. In a second program to procure a successor, the advanced Lockheed Martin Orion 21, another P-3 derived aircraft, lost out to the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, a Boeing 737 variant, which entered service in 2013.
The P-3 has an internal bomb bay under the front fuselage which can house conventional Mark 50 torpedoes or Mark 46 torpedoes and/or special (nuclear) weapons. Additional underwing stations, or pylons, can carry other armament configurations including the AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E SLAM, AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER, the AGM-65 Maverick, 127 millimetres (5.0 in) Zuni rockets, and various other sea mines, missiles, and gravity bombs. The aircraft also had the capability to carry the AGM-12 Bullpup guided missile until that weapon was withdrawn from U.S./NATO/Allied service.[14]
The P-3 is equipped with a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) in the extended tail. This instrument is able to detect the magnetic anomaly of a submarine in the Earth's magnetic field. The limited range of this instrument requires the aircraft to be near the submarine at low altitude. Because of this, it is primarily used for pinpointing the location of a submarine immediately prior to a torpedo or depth bomb attack. Due to the sensitivity of the detector, electromagnetic noise can interfere with it, so the detector is placed in P-3's fiberglass tail stinger (MAD boom), far from other electronics and ferrous metals on the aircraft.[15]
Crew complement
The crew complement varies depending on the role being flown, the variant being operated, and the country that is operating the type. In U.S. Navy service, the normal crew complement was 12 until it was reduced to its current complement of 11 in the early 2000s when the in-flight ordnanceman (ORD) position was eliminated as a cost-savings measure and the ORD duties assumed by the in-flight technician (IFT).[1] Data for U.S. Navy P-3C only.
Officers:
- three Naval Aviators
- Patrol Plane Commander (PPC)
- Patrol Plane 2nd Pilot (PP2P)
- Patrol Plane 3rd Pilot (PP3P)
- two Naval Flight Officers
- Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator (PPTC or TACCO)
- Patrol Plane Navigator/Communicator (PPNC or NAVCOM)
NOTE: NAVCOM on P-3C only; USN P-3A and P-3B series had an NFO Navigator (TACNAV) and an enlisted Airborne Radio Operator (RO)
Enlisted Aircrew:
- two enlisted Aircrew Flight Engineers (FE1 and FE2)
- three enlisted Sensor Operators
- Radar/MAD/EWO (SS-3)
- two Acoustic (SS-1 and SS-2)
- one enlisted In-Flight Technician (IFT)
- one enlisted Aviation Ordnanceman (ORD position no longer used on USN crews; duties assumed by IFT.)
The senior of either the PPC or TACCO will be designated as the aircraft Mission Commander (MC).
Engine loiter shutdownOnce on station, one engine is often shut down (usually the No. 1 engine – the left outer engine) to conserve fuel and extend the time aloft and/or range when at low level. It is the primary candidate for loiter shutdown because it has no generator. Eliminating the exhaust from engine 1 also improves visibility from the aft observer station on the left side of the aircraft.
On occasion, both outboard engines can be shut down, weight, weather, and fuel permitting. Long deep-water, coastal or border patrol missions can last over 10 hours and may include extra crew. The record time aloft for a P-3 is 21.5 hours, undertaken by the Royal New
On occasion, both outboard engines can be shut down, weight, weather, and fuel permitting. Long deep-water, coastal or border patrol missions can last over 10 hours and may include extra crew. The record time aloft for a P-3 is 21.5 hours, undertaken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 5 Squadron in 1972.
Developed during the Cold War, the P-3's primary mission was to localize Soviet Navy ballistic missile and fast attack submarines detected by undersea surveillance systems and eliminate them in the event of full-scale war.[16][17] At its height, the U.S. Navy's P-3 community consisted of twenty-four active duty "Fleet" patrol squadrons home based at air stations in the states of Florida and Hawaii as well as bases which formerly had P-3 operations in Maryland, Maine, and California. There were also thirteen Naval Reserve patrol squadrons identical to their active duty "Fleet" counterparts, said Reserve "Fleet" squadrons being based in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts (later relocated to Maine), Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, California and Washington. Two Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS), also called "RAG" squadrons (from the historic "Replacement Air Group" nomenclature) were located in California and Florida. The since-deactivated VP-31 in California provided P-3 training for the Pacific Fleet, while VP-30 in Florida performed the task for the Atlantic Fleet. These squadrons were also augmented by a test and evaluation squadron in Maryland, two additional test and evaluation units that were part of an air development center in Pennsylvania and a test center in California, an oceanographic development squadron in Maryland, and two active duty "special projects" units in Maine and Hawaii, the latter being slightly smaller than a typical squadron.
In Fiscal Year 1995, the U.S. Navy planned to reduce active-duty patrol squadrons from 16 to 13: seven on the East Coast, six on the West.[18] The patrol squadrons planned to survive were VP-8, 10, 11, and 26 at NAS Brunswick, Maine, and VP-5, 16, and 45 at NAS Jacksonville, FL. The Pacific squadrons that were to be retained were VP-1, 4, 9, and 47 at BArbers' Point, HI, and 40 and VP-46 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Thus Patrol Squadrons 17, 23, and 24 were to be disestablished, and the remaining units were to operate nine aircraft instead of eight, augmented by VP-30 and the nine-at-the-time USNR P-3 squadrons.
Reconnaissance missions in international waters led to occasions where Soviet fighters would "bump" a P-3, either operated by the U.S. Navy or other operators such as the Royal Norwegian Air Force. On 1 April 2001, a midair collision between a United States Navy EP-3E ARIES II signals surveillance aircraft and a People's Liberation Army Navy J-8II jet fighter-interceptor resulted in an international dispute between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC).[19]
More than 40 combatant and noncombatant P-3 variants have demonstrated the rugged reliability displayed by the platform flying 12-hour plus missions 200 ft (61 m) over salt water while maintaining an excellent safety record. Versions have been developed for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for research and hurricane hunting/hurricane wall busting, for the U.S. Customs Service (now U.S. Customs and Border Protection) for drug interdiction and aerial surveillance mission with a rotodome adapted from the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye or an AN/APG-66 radar adapted from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and for NASA for research and development.
The U.S. Navy remains
In Fiscal Year 1995, the U.S. Navy planned to reduce active-duty patrol squadrons from 16 to 13: seven on the East Coast, six on the West.[18] The patrol squadrons planned to survive were VP-8, 10, 11, and 26 at NAS Brunswick, Maine, and VP-5, 16, and 45 at NAS Jacksonville, FL. The Pacific squadrons that were to be retained were VP-1, 4, 9, and 47 at BArbers' Point, HI, and 40 and VP-46 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Thus Patrol Squadrons 17, 23, and 24 were to be disestablished, and the remaining units were to operate nine aircraft instead of eight, augmented by VP-30 and the nine-at-the-time USNR P-3 squadrons.
Reconnaissance missions in international waters led to occasions where Soviet fighters would "bump" a P-3, either operated by the U.S. Navy or other operators such as the Royal Norwegian Air Force. On 1 April 2001, a midair collision between a United States Navy EP-3E ARIES II signals surveillance aircraft and a People's Liberation Army Navy J-8II jet fighter-interceptor resulted in an international dispute between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC).[19]
More than 40 combatant and noncombatant P-3 variants have demonstrated the rugged reliability displayed by the platform flying 12-hour plus missions 200 ft (61 m) over salt water while maintaining an excellent safety record. Versions have been developed for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for research and hurricane hunting/hurricane wall busting, for the U.S. Customs Service (now U.S. Customs and Border Protection) for drug interdiction and aerial surveillance mission with a rotodome adapted from the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye or an AN/APG-66 radar adapted from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and for NASA for research and development.
The U.S. Navy remains the largest P-3 operator, currently distributed between a single fleet replacement (i.e., "training") patrol squadron in Florida (VP-30), 12 active duty patrol squadrons distributed between bases in Florida, Washington and Hawaii, two Navy Reserve patrol squadrons in Florida and Washington, one active duty special projects patrol squadron (VPU-2) in Hawaii, and two active duty test and evaluation squadrons. One additional active duty fleet reconnaissance squadron (VQ-1) operates the EP-3 Aries signals intelligence (SIGINT) variant at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
In January 2011, the U.S. Navy revealed that P-3s have been used to hunt down "third generation" narco subs.[20] This is significant because as recently as July 2009, fully submersible submarines have been used in smuggling operations.[21] As of November 2013, the US Navy began phasing out the P-3 in favor of the newer and more advanced Boeing P-8 Poseidon.
In May 2020, Patrol Squadron 40 completed the transition to the P-8, marking the retirement of the P-3C from U.S. Navy active duty service. The last of the active-duty P-3Cs, aircraft 162776, was also delivered to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. Two Navy Reserve squadrons and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 continue to fly the P-3C, with final phaseout of the aircraft expected in 2023.[22]
In October 1962, P-3A aircraft flew several blockade patrols in the vicinity of Cuba. Having just recently joined the operational Fleet earlier that year, this was the first employment of the P-3 in a real world "near conflict" situation.
In Vietnam
Main article: Operation Market TiBeginning in 1964, forward deployed P-3 aircraft began flying a variety of missions under Operation Market Time from bases in the Philippines and Vietnam. The primary focus of these coastal patrols was to stem the supply of materials to the Viet Cong by sea, although several of these missions also became overland "feet dry" sorties. During one such mission, a small caliber artillery shell passed through a P-3 without rendering it mission incapable. The only confirmed combat loss of a P-3 also occurred during Operation Market Time. In April 1968, a U.S. Navy P-3B of VP-26 was downed by anti-aircraft fire in the Gulf of Thailand with the loss of the entire crew. Two months earlier, in February 1968, another one of VP-26's P-3B aircraft was operating in the same vicinity when it crashed with the loss of the entire crew. Originally attributed to an aircraft mishap at low altitude, later conjecture is that this aircraft may have also fallen victim to anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire from the same source as the April incident.[23]
In Iraq
Main articles: Basra and Umm Qasr to Iranian waters. "Outlaw Hunter" vectored in strike elements which attacked the flotilla near Bubiyan Island destroying 11 vessels and damaging scores more. During Desert Shield, a P-3 using infrared imaging detected a ship with Iraqi markings beneath freshly-painted bogus Egyptian markings trying to avoid detection. Several days before the 7 January 1991 commencement of Operation Desert Storm, a P-3C equipped with an APS-137 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) conducted coastal surveillance along Iraq and Kuwait to provide pre-strike reconnaissance on enemy military installations. A total of 55 of the 108 Iraqi vessels destroyed during the conflict were targeted by P-3C aircraft.[24]The P-3 Orion's mission expanded in the late 1990s and early 2000s to include battlespace surveillance both at sea and over land. The long range and long loiter time of the P-3 Orion have proved to be an invaluable asset during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It can instantaneously provide information about the battlespace it can see to ground troops, particularly the U.S. Marines.[1]
battlespace surveillance both at sea and over land. The long range and long loiter time of the P-3 Orion have proved to be an invaluable asset during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It can instantaneously provide information about the battlespace it can see to ground troops, particularly the U.S. Marines.[1]
Although the P-3 is a Maritime Patrol Aircraft, armament and sensor upgrades in the Anti-surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP)[25] have made it suitable for sustained combat air support over land.[25] In what became known as the "Decade in the Desert", Navy P-3C crews patrolled combat zones in the middle east and southwest Asia.[26] Since the start of the current war in Afghanistan, U.S. Navy P-3 aircraft have been operating from Kandahar in that role.[27] Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orions operated out of Minhad Air Base in the UAE from 2003 until their withdrawal in November 2012. During the period 2008–2012, the AP-3C Orions conducted overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks in support of coalition troops throughout Afghanistan.[28]
The United States Geological Survey used the Orion to survey parts of southern and eastern Afghanistan for lithium, copper, and other mineral deposits.[29]
In Libya
Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Orions continued in service, after the IIAF was renamed the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). They were used in the Tanker War phase of the Iran–Iraq War and were operated by one of the most successful squadrons of the IRIAF during that conflict. A total of four P-3Fs remain in service.
Three P-3C Orions, delivered to the Pakistan Navy in 1996 and 1997 were operated extensively during the Kargil conflict. After the crash of one, the type was grounded due to the loss of an entire crew; nonetheless, the aircraft were maintained in an armed state and airworthy condition throughout the escalation period of 2001 and 2002. In 2007, they were used by the navy to conduct signals intelligence, airborne and bombing operations in a Swat offensive and Operation Rah-e-Nijat. Precision and strategic bombing missions were carried out by the Orions, and in 2007, intelligence management operations were conducted against Taliban and al-Qaeda operatives.[33]
On 22 May 2011, two out of the four Pakistani P-3Cs were destroyed in an attack on PNS Mehran, a Pakistani Naval station in Karachi.[34] The Pakistani fleet had been readily used in overland, counter-insurgency operations. In June 2011, the U.S. agreed to replace the destroyed aircraft with two new ones, with delivery to follow later.[35] In February 2012, the U.S. delivered two additional P-3C Orion aircraft to the Pakistan Navy.[36]
In Somalia
On 22 May 2011, two out of the four Pakistani P-3Cs were destroyed in an attack on PNS Mehran, a Pakistani Naval station in Karachi.[34] The Pakistani fleet had been readily used in overland, counter-insurgency operations. In June 2011, the U.S. agreed to replace the destroyed aircraft with two new ones, with delivery to follow later.[35] In February 2012, the U.S. delivered two additional P-3C Orion aircraft to the Pakistan Navy.[36]
The Spanish Air Force deployed P-3s to assist the international effort against piracy in Somalia. On 29 October 2008, a Spanish P-3 aircraft patrolling the coast of Somalia reacted to a distress call from an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. To deter the pirates, the aircraft flew over the pirates three times as they attempted to board the tanker, dropping a smoke bomb on each pass. After the third pass, the attacking pirate boats broke off their attack.[37] Later, on 29 March 2009, the same P-3 pursued the assailants of the German navy tanker Spessart (A1442), resulting in the capture of the pirates.[38]
In April 2011, the Portuguese Air Force also contributed to Operation Ocean Shield by sending a P-3C[39] which had early success when on its fifth mission detected a pirate whaler with two attack skiffs.[40]
Since 2009 the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has deployed P-3s to Djibouti for anti-piracy patrols,[41][42][43] from 2011 from its own base.[44] As well the German Navy is contributing assets against piracy with one P-3 from time to time.
Civilian uses
In April 2011, the Portuguese Air Force also contributed to Operation Ocean Shield by sending a P-3C[39] which had early success when on its fifth mission detected a pirate whaler with two attack skiffs.[40]Since 2009 the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has deployed P-3s to Djibouti for anti-piracy patrols,[41][42][43] from 2011 from its own base.[44] As well the German Navy is contributing assets against piracy with one P-3 from time to time.
Several P-3 aircraft have been N-registered and are operated by civilian agencies. The US Customs and Border Protection has a number of P-3A and P-3B aircraft that are used for aircraft intercept and maritime patrol. NOAA operates two WP-3D variants specially modified for hurricane research. One P-3, N426NA, is used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an Earth science research platform, primarily for the NASA Science Mission Directorate's Airborne Science Program. It is based at Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
Aero Union, Inc. operated eight secondhand P-3A aircraft configured as air tankers, which were leased to the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other agencies for firefighting use. Several of these aircraft were involved in the U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal but have not been involved in any catastrophic aircraft mishaps. Aero Union has since gone bankrupt, and their P-3s have been put up for auction.[45]
Variants
U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other agencies for firefighting use. Several of these aircraft were involved in the U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal but have not been involved in any catastrophic aircraft mishaps. Aero Union has since gone bankrupt, and their P-3s have been put up for auction.[45]Over the years, numerous variants of the P-3 have been created. A few notable examples are:
- WP-3D: Two P-3C aircraft as modified on the production line for NOAA weather research, including hurricane hunting.
- EP-3E Aries: 10 P-3A and 2 EP-3B aircraft converted into ELINT aircraft.
- EP-3E Aries II: 12 P-3C aircraft converted into ELINT aircraft.
- AP-3C: Royal Australian Air Force P-3C/W aircraft which have been extensively upgraded by L-3 Communications with new mission systems, including an Elta SAR/ISAR radar and a General Dynamics Canada a
. The flight deck now has 'glass' instrumentation and navigation computer automation. The Tactical Rail (Tacrail) has been completely refitted with modern sensors, communication and data management systems.
Operators
Argentine Navy P-3B
[46] The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is gradually replacing them. The P-3 Orion celebrated 50 years of RAAF service in November 2018. P-3B sold to Portugal.
- Brazilian Air Force – 9 P-3AM (Upgraded) in 2008 (12 ex-USN airframes purchased).[47] Integrated with the CASA FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System) utilized in antisubmarine warfare.
- Chilean Navy – four P-3A; based at Base Aeronaval Torquemada, Concón. Three used as patrol aircraft, one used for personnel transport. Chile plans to extend their service lives past 2030 by changing the wings, modernizing the engines, and integrating the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.[48]
- Royal Canadian Air Force – Canada purchased 18 P-3A in 1980. The CP-140 Aurora are operated by 404 Long Range Patrol and Training Squadron, 405 Long Range Patrol Squadron, 415 Long Range Patrol Force Development Squadron, (all three from 14 Wing Greenwood), 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron (19 Wing Comox).[49][50]
- The RCAF also operated 3 CP-140A Arcturus, P-3 aircraft purchased in 1991 without an anti-submarine warfare suite and used primarily for pilot training and long-range surface patrol. The last two were retired in 2011.
- German Navy – eight P-3C CUP+ (ex Royal Netherlands Navy); based at NAS Nordholz, Marinefliegergeschwader 3 Graf Zeppelin
- Hellenic Air Force – six P-3B operated jointly with the Hellenic Navy, 1 in operable condition as of 2019, 3 additional of the planes are undergoing maintenance as of 2016 which should return them to airworthy condition, the first of which was completed in May 2019.[51]
- Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force – four P-3F (71ASW SQN); based at Shiraz International Airport (Shahid Douran Air Base)
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – 93 P-3C, five EP-3, five OP-3C, one UP-3C, three UP-3D.[52] The Kawasaki Corporation assembled five airframes produced by Lockheed, and then Kawasaki produced more than 100 P-3s under license in Japan.[53] The Kawasaki P-1 is gradually replacing them.
- Air Patrol Squadron 3 (JMSDF) (1984–2017)[54]
- Royal New Zealand Air Force – six P-3K2 (5 Sqn); based in RNZAF Base Auckland. Operated by 5 SQN. Five were originally delivered in 1966 as P-3Bs. Another was purchased from the RAAF in 1985. All six have been upgraded by L-3 Communications Canada and now designated as P-3K2,[55] with the first upgraded aircraft returned to New Zealand in April 2011.[56] The New Zealand Government announced[57] they are to be replaced in 2023 with the purchase of 4 Boeing P-8A Poseidons. An interim upgrade contract worth NZ$36M has been awarded to Boeing to upgrade the underwater intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the P-3K2,[58] with a capability similar to that provided in the P-8.[59]
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1994-95,[110] Specifications: P-3,[111][1]General characteristics
- Crew: 11
- Length: 116 ft 10 in (35.61 m)
- Wingspan: 99 ft 8 in (30.38 m)
- Height: 33 ft 8.5 in (10.274 m)
- Aspect ratio: 7.5
- Airfoil: root: NACA 0014 modified; tip: NACA 0012 modified[112]
- Empty weight: 61,491 lb (27,892 kg)
- Zero-fuel weight: 77,200 lb (35,017 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 135,000 lb (61,235 kg) MTOW normal
- 142,000 lb (64,410 kg) maximum permissible
- Maximum landing weight: (MLW) 103,880 lb (47,119 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 9,200 US gal (7,700 imp gal; 35,000 l) usable fuel in 5 wing and fuselage tanks ; (62,500 lb (28,350 kg) maximum fuel weight) ; 111 US gal (92 imp gal; 420 l) usable oil in 4 tanks
- Powerplant: 4 × Allison T56-A-14 turboprop engines, 4,910 shp (3,660 kW) each (equivalent)
- Propellers: 4-bladed Hamilton Standard 54H60-77, 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m) diameter constant-speed fully-feathering reversible propellers
Performance
- Maximum speed: 411 kn (473 mph, 761 km/h) at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) and 105,000 lb (47,627 kg)
- Cruise speed: 328 kn (377 mph, 607 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m) and 110,000 lb (49,895 kg)
- Patrol speed: 206 kn (237 mph; 382 km/h) at 1,500 ft (457 m) and 110,000 lb (49,895 kg)
- Stall speed: 133 kn (153 mph, 246 km/h) flaps up
- 112 kn (129 mph; 207 km/h) flaps down
- Combat range: 1,345 nmi (1,548 mi, 2,491 km) (3 hours on station at 1,500 ft (457 m))
- Ferry range: 4,830 nmi (5,560 mi, 8,950 km)
- Endurance: 17 hours 12 minutes at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) on two engines
- 12 hours 20 minutes at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) on four engines
- Service ceiling: 28,300 ft (8,600 m)
- 19,000 ft (5,791 m) one engine inoperative (OEI)
- Rate of climb: 1,950 ft/min (9.9 m/s)
- Time to altitude: 25,000 ft (7,620 m) in 30 minutes
- Wing loading: 103.8 lb/sq ft (507 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.1455 lb/hp (0.0885 kg/kW) (equivalent)
- Take-off run: 4,240 ft (1,292 m)
- Take-off distance to 50 ft (15 m): 5,490 ft (1,673 m)
- Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m): 2,770 ft (844 m)
Armament
- Hardpoints: 10 wing stations in total (3x on each wing and 2x on each wing root) and eight internal bomb bay stations with a capacity of 20,000 lb (9,100 kg)[1],with provisions to carry combinations of:
- Rockets: None
- Missiles:
- Bombs:
- Depth charges, Mk 101 Lulu nuclear depth bomb,10× MK20 Rockeye, MK80 Series (18× MK82, MK83, MK84) general-purpose bombs, B57 nuclear bomb (US service only, retired 1993)
- Other:
- Mk 44 (mostly retired from service),8× Mk 46,[1] 6× Mk 50,7× Mk 54 or MU90 Impact torpedoes
- Mk 25, Mk 39, Mk 55,7× Mk 56, Mk 60 CAPTOR or 6× Mk 65 or 18× mk 62 or 11×mk 63 Quickstrike naval mines[113]
- Stonefish naval mine (in Australian service)
- Active and passive Sonobuoys
Avionics
- RADAR: Raytheon AN/APS-115 Maritime Surveillance Radar, AN/APS-137D(V)5 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Search Radar[113]
- IFF: APX-72, APX-76, APX-118/123 Interrogation Friend or Foe (IFF)[113]
- EO/IR: ASX-4 Advanced Imaging Multispectral Sensor (AIMS), ASX-6 Multi-Mode Imaging System (MMIS)
- ESM: ALR-66 Radar Warning Receiver, ALR-95(V)2 Specific Emitter Identification/Threat Warning
- Hazeltine Corporation AN/ARR-78(V) sonobuoy receiving system[113]
- Fighting Electronics Inc AN/ARR-72 sonobuoy receiver[113]
- IBM Proteus UYS-1 acoustic processor
- AQA-7 directional acoustic frequency analysis and recording sonobuoy indicators[113]
- AQH-4 (V) sonar tape recorder[113]
- ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector (MAD)[113]
- ASA-65 magnetic compensator[113]
- Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-78(V) electronic surveillance receiver[113]
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Avro Shackleton
- Boeing P-8 Poseidon
- Bombardier Aerospace DHC-8-MPA-D8
- Breguet Atlantique
- Canadair CP-107 Argus
- CASA CN-235 MPA
- CASA C-295 MPA
- EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry
- Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod
- Ilyushin Il-38
- Kawasaki P-1
- Shin Meiwa PS-1
Related lists
- List of Lockheed P-3 Orion variants
- List of military aircraft of the United States
- List of active United States military aircraft
- List of Lockheed aircraft
References
- ^ a b "Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion." Archived 11 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Aeroflight.co.uk, 31 July 2010. Retrieved: 16 November 2010.
- ^ "P-3 production." Archived 1 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine p3orion.nl. Retrieved: 7 June 2011.
- ^ a b c d "P-3 history." Archived 24 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ Reade 1998.
- ^ "Second VP-9." Archived 27 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons — Volume 2, p. 74. Retrieved: 7 July 2012.
- ^ Thomas, Todd J. "First Digital Airborne Computing System: UNIVAC 1830, CP-823/U Serial A-New Mod 3, Engineering Prototype Lockheed P-3 Orion." Archived 15 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine p3oriontopsecret.com, 2010. Retrieved: 9 December 2010.
- ^ a b Serling, Robert J., Loud and Clear, Dell, 1970.
- ^ Lessons of a turboprop inquest Archived 4 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine Flight 17 February 1961 p.225
- ^ Murphy, Pat. "Fighting fire like a regular military ground, air war: Onetime jinxed airliner now a superstar fire bomber." mtexpress.com, 2010. Retrieved: 16 November 2010.
- ^ "P-3 Orion Overview." Archived 23 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Retrieved: 25 January 2011.
- ^ Barbour, John (14 July 1990). "Retooling the war machine". Idahonian. (Moscow). Associated Press. p. 6C.
- ^ "Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract to Build Outer Wing Sets for the US Navy's P-3 Orion Fleet." Archived 18 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine deagel.com, 4 September 2008.
- ^ "P-3C." Archived 28 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine history.navy.mil. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ "Air Anti-Submarine Warfare ." Archived 12 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine fas.org. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ Holler, Roger A. (5 November 2013). "The Evolution Of The Sonobuoy From World War II To The Cold War" (PDF). U.S. Navy Journal of Underwater Acoustics: 332–333. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- ^ Whitman, Edward C. (Winter 2005). "SOSUS The "Secret Weapon" of Undersea Surveillance". Undersea Warfare. Vol. 7 no. 2. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- ^ Peter Felsted, "Orion Hunts a Different Prey," Jane's Defence Weekly, 12 November 1994, p25.
- ^ "'Born to Fly,' by Lt. Shane Osborn: Navy Lt. Shane Osborn's Tale of Danger and Survival." Archived 29 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine abcnews.go.com, 30 September 2004. Retrieved: 28 July 2010.
- ^ "P-3 Subhunters Using ASW Gear to Find Narco-Subs?" Archived 19 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine defensetech.org, 14 January 2011. Retrieved: 25 January 2011.
- ^ Page, Lewis. "First true submarine captured from American drug smugglers." Archived 5 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine The Register, 6 July 2010. Retrieved: 25 January 2011.
- ^ Fair winds and following seas to the Navy’s P-3C. Navy Times. 4 June 2020.
- ^ "VP-26 Memorial: VP-26 Crew – In Memorium – VP-26 Crew." Archived 10 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine vpnavy.org. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ Reade 1998, pp. 42–49.
- ^ a b Chudy, Jason. "P-3C Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (P-3C AIP)." Archived 29 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine lockheedmartin.com. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ Rogoway, Tyler (2 July 2014). "Confessions Of A US Navy P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Pilot". Foxtrot Alpha. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
- ^ Chudy, Jason."P-3C Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (P-3C AIP)." Archived 11 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine military.com. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ "Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel – Joint Media Release – Last AP-3C Orion Aircraft welcomed home from Middle East". defence.gov.au. Archived from the original on 29 April 2013.
- ^ Risen, James. "U.S. Identifies Vast Mineral Riches in Afghanistan." Archived 15 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times, 13 June 2010. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ "British ships protected by borrowed US spy plane in Libya." Archived 11 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine The Telegraph. Retrieved: 7 January 2012.
- ^ Strelieff, Captain Jill. "Auroras fly first missions over Libya." Archived 12 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine Sicily Air Wing Public Affairs, 4 October 2011. Retrieved: 7 January 2012.
- ^ "US Navy P-3C, USAF A-10 and USS Barry Engage Libyan Vessels." Archived 20 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine africom.mil, 29 March 2011. Retrieved: 29 March 2011
- ^ Mackey, Robert. "Before Attack, Pakistan’s Navy Boasted of Role in Fight Against Taliban." Archived 17 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times, 23 May 2011. Retrieved: 10 April 2012.
- ^ "Foreign Hand Behind PNS Mehran Base Attack in Pakistan". Pakalert Press. 26 May 2011. Archived from the original on 29 May 2011.
- ^ "US to replace two P3C Orion aircraft." Archived 2 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Dawn.com, 17 June 2011.
- ^ "Pakistan Navy receives two P3Cs." Archived 19 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine News International, 22 February 2012. Retrieved: 9 April 2012.
- ^ "Spain foils pirates' plans." Archived 1 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine news24.com. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ "Boxer Supports International Counter-Piracy Effort in Gulf of Aden – Other Attacks Increase Off Somali Coast." Archived 16 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine dvidshub.net, 28 October 2008. Retrieved: 14 July 2010.
- ^ "P-3 na Operação 'Ocean Shield'." Archived 5 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine Força Aérea Portuguesa, 5 April 2011. Retrieved: 28 June 2011.
- ^ "News Release: NATO’S latest counter piracy weapon strikes early blow." Allied Maritime Command Headquarters Northwood, 29 April 2011. Retrieved: 28 June 2011.
- ^ Japan: Joining the Anti-Piracy Effort off the Somali Coast May 28, 2009 Retrieved 21 November 2016
- ^ Here’s how Coalition Patrol Planes Hunt Somali Pirates in the Horn of Africa January 23, 2013 Archived 2 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine The Aviationist Retrieved 21 November 2016
- ^ Japan's Actions against Piracy off the Coast of Somalia February 15, 2016 Archived 9 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine Ministry of Foreign Affairs Retrieved 21 November 2016
- ^ Japan to expand Djibouti military base to counter Chinese influence October 13, 2016 Archived 19 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine Reuters Retrieved 21 November 2016
- ^ a b "Aero Union to auction their P-3 air tankers". wildfiretoday.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft". raaf.gov. 29 March 2009. Archived from the original on 19 December 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
- ^ "World Air Forces listing A-B". 24 November 1999. Archived from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
- ^ "Chile; P-3 Orions life extension plans". Dmilt.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- ^ Green, William (1988). Aircraft (37 ed.). Frederick Warne. pp. 142–143. ISBN General characteristics
Performance
- Maximum speed: 411 kn (473 mph, 761 km/h) at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) and 105,000 lb (47,627 kg)
- Cruise speed: 328 kn (377 mph, 607 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m) and 110,000 lb (49,895 kg)
- Patrol speed: 206 kn (237 mph; 382 km/h) at 1,500 ft (457 m) and 110,000 lb (49,895 kg)
- Stall speed: 133 kn (153 mph, 246 km/h) flaps up
- 112 kn (129 mph; 207 km/h) flaps down
- Combat range: 1,345 nmi (1,548 mi, 2,491 km) (3 hours on station at 1,500 ft (457 m))
- Ferry range: 4,830 nmi (5,560 mi, 8,950 km)
- Endurance: 17 hours 12 minutes at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) on two engines
- 12 hours 20 minutes at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) on four engines
- Service ceiling: 28,300 ft (8,600 m)
- 19,000 ft (5,791 m) one engine inoperative (OEI)
- Rate of climb: 1,950 ft/min (9.9 m/s)
- Time to altitude: 25,000 ft (7,620 m) in 30 minutes
- Wing loading: 103.8 lb/sq ft (507 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.1455 lb/hp (0.0885 kg/kW) (equivalent)
- Take-off run: 4,240 ft (1,292 m)
- Take-off distance to 50 ft (15 m)
Armament
- Hardpoints: 10 wing stations in total (3x on each wing and 2x on each wing root) and eight internal bomb bay stations with a capacity of 20,000 lb (9,100 kg)[1],with provisions to carry combinations of:
- Rockets: None
- Missiles:
- Bombs:
- Depth charges, Mk 101 Lulu nuclear depth bomb,10× MK20 Rockeye, MK80 Series (18× MK82, MK83, MK84) general-purpose bombs, B57 nuclear bomb (US service only, retired 1993)
- Other:
- Mk 44 (mostly retired from service),8× Mk 46,[1] 6× Avionics
- RADAR: Raytheon AN/APS-115 Maritime Surveillance Radar, AN/APS-137D(V)5 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Search Radar[113]
- IFF: APX-72, APX-76, APX-118/123 Interrogation Friend or Foe (IFF)[113]
- EO/IR: ASX-4 Advanced Imaging Multispectral Sensor (AIMS), ASX-6 Multi-Mode Imaging System (MMIS)
- ESM: ALR-66 Radar Warning Receiver, ALR-95(V)2 Specific Emitter Identification/Threat Warning
- Hazeltine Corporation AN/ARR-78(V) sonobuoy receiving system[113]
- Fighting Electronics Inc AN/ARR-72 sonobuoy receiver[113]
- IBM Proteus UYS-1 acoustic processor
- AQA-7 directional acoustic frequency analysis and recording sonobuoy indicators[113]
- AQH-4 (V) sonar tape recorder[113]
- ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector (MAD)[113]
- ASA-65 magnetic compensator[113]
- Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-78(V) electronic surveillance receiver[113]
See also
- Mk 44 (mostly retired from service),8× Mk 46,[1] 6× Avionics
- Hardpoints: 10 wing stations in total (3x on each wing and 2x on each wing root) and eight internal bomb bay stations with a capacity of 20,000 lb (9,100 kg)[1],with provisions to carry combinations of:
- three Naval Aviators
Iranian Revolution
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1994-95,
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